I must say I did not get along with Joanie very well when we first met. Must have been because her opinions were just as strong as mine! I don´t know what caused it but somehow Joanie made the first move and became more friendly towards me, and from there on we had a kind of friendly banter going on.

I remember a funny personal post I got from Joanie. She sent it during the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. The US ice hockey team played against the Finnish team and the US team won against the Finns 6-0. The next morning I got a post from Joanie. The subject line was "hehehe". I knew what that would be about! Sure enough, I was right, it was Joanie teasing me about the game. By that time I knew her well enough not to be offended. I just had a laugh and went to school. Had the Finns won, I would probably have teased her and given her a much worse time about it.

Joanie asked me to put her on nomail before she left for California to have the surgery. I did as she requested and wished her good luck for the surgery. That was our last communication. I am sure SWC meant a lot to Joanie since she even gave me a date when she wanted to be put back on mail! It was in the end of March. I wish I could have done that.

--- Jaana
Helsinki, Finland

I only met her during a SWCcon in Cape May New Jersey.

What a doll she was! Not to mention a sharp wit!

My best memory was when a bunch of us, including Joanie decided to take a side trip to Atlantic City for a couple of hours of gambling. Lady luck was not entirely on her side, don't quite remember how much money she tossed away at the slots. I however I walked away with about $300. I flashed my winnings and she playfully tried to football tackle me in the van! What wonderful childish fun I will never forget!

Have a good Easter up there Joanie! Save a placesetting for me :)

Lisa Lauderdale
Lebanon, NJ